Motley says: "Want to join a new team? Just find a cool technology"
Summary
Motley: The only thing that matters in finding a new team or company to work for is the technology and the money they offer you.
Maven: Technology is nothing without a sound business strategy and a competent group of people running the company. People are more important than technology.
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[Context: Motley just discovered that another developer in the company, Marcia, is leaving the company]
Motley: Hey Mave, did you hear that Marcia is leaving the company?
Maven: No, what's up? Why is she going? Things are definitely on the up-swing around here.
Motley: Her husband got a really cool job down in the valley, so because employment is pretty plentiful down there, she figured she could find a good position too. There's lots of cool technology being built down there - just take your pick and join the company that builds it.
Maven: There's a little more to choosing a company and, in particular, a team, than just the technology that it builds.
Motley: Oh yeah, I forgot. Money factors in of course! That's my main value after all!
Maven: So you mean you would join a new company if they are doing something cool and they'll give you a decent paycheck. That's your only criteria?
Motley: Pretty much. That's what makes me happy - at work. Off work, a little exercise, a nice looking girl, and a beer all complete life off-hours!
Maven: Jeez Mot, you need to look a little more widely and examine your happiness. It doesn't do any good to work on cool technology for a decent paycheck if the company goes under a month after you join. They need a solid business plan, show results, and have a promising future. Do they keep customers happy? Are they successful? Are investors interested?
Motley: Blah, blah, blah, as Steve Ballmer would say. Cool technology always leads to success.
Maven: Well, I definitely cannot agree with you there. What about Microsoft Bob? Oh wait, bad example - that technology sucked. How about OS/2? The Apple Newton? Digital Audio Tape? All cool stuff, but without a solid business plan that solves real customer problems and does it well, the companies were doomed.
Motley: Those are in the minority.
Maven: Those are the ones you hear about. There are thousands you don't hear about. What about the people in the company? Do you want to work with a bunch of crappy developers? What about your manager? Do you want to work for an incompetent manager?
Motley: Are there managers out there who actually do something useful? Um, I hope my boss isn't at her desk over there. Phew. That would have been an "insert foot in mouth" moment.
Maven: Okay, I know you're joking. At least I hope so, considering your boss is right behind you.
Motley: Wha-!
Maven: Kidding! But seriously, count your blessings - you currently have a fantastic boss. That won't always be the case, however. When you look for a new job, first off, you need a goal. If your goal is to work on cool technology and that's it, well, ignore the rest of what I have to say. However, if your goal is career development and maybe some management experience if that's your thing, here are a few things to do due diligence on before joining a team:
- What is your new boss like? Do you like her as a person? Does she have a vision?
- Will you be micromanaged? Trust me, Mot, you won't like that. How do you find out? Talk to your future peers (her other reports).
- What is the health of the team? Are people happy? Are they seeing results?
- What are your peers like? You'll have to work with these people on a day-to-day basis. If you can't stand them, coming to work is no fun.
- Is the group's mandate strategic to the company? You don't want to work on a team that doesn't matter.
Motley: I still think technology is king - you have to work on something interesting. But, I definitely don't want to work with a bunch of losers, I'll give you that.
Maven: I could go on with things to look for, but you get the idea. Hopefully you are not going anywhere anytime soon as you are a great asset to Cynthesis. But, when that day does arrive and you decide to pursue something different, keep in mind that the business and people are more important than the technology.
Motley: By the way, I was hoping that you were leaving along with Marcia. Any chance?
Maven: You're just full of jokes today, aren't you.
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Maven's Pointer: Definitely make it part of your due diligence when finding a new job to interview as many people as is practical before taking the position. A manager, for example, will never indicate that they micromanage people, but his or her reports will usually tell the true story. Talk to them, and be prepared for the interview with some canned questions.
Maven's Resources: None.
